TSX, NYSE American Symbol: TMQ
1 Trust | Respect | Integrity
TSX, NYSE American
Symbol: TMQ
News Release
Trilogy Metals Reports Additional Significant Drill Results from
the 2017 Bornite Exploration Program
December 4, 2017 - Vancouver, British Columbia – Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX, NYSE
American: TMQ ) (“Trilogy Metals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce additional
results from this summer’s exploration diamon d drilling program at the Bornite Project, a
part of the Company’s Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (“UKMP”) located in the Ambler mining
district of Northwest Alaska.
The recently completed 2017 Bornite exploration program included a total of 9 drill holes
comprising 8,437 meters. Note that due to inclement weather, two holes (RC17-241 and
242) were stopped before reaching target dept h and cemented in preparation for re-entry
during the 2018 drill program. The focus of this year’s program was to target high-grade
copper mineralization north and east of the previously identified resources and to define the
edges of the mineralized system.
Sample results from the first three holes comprising 3,083 meters of the then in-progress drill
campaign were released on September 18, 2017 (https://Trilogy PR Sep 18 2017). The initial
three drill holes showed thick and continuo us intervals of copper mineralization and
represented up to 300 meter off-sets from the Company’s last round of drill holes completed
in 2013, which shows that the Bornite mineralized system continues to significantly expand.
Results from 4 further drill holes (RC17-237; 238w; 239; and 240), comprising 4,321 meters
and representing 300 to 400 meter off-sets from the first three drilled holes, continue to
show significant intervals of high-grade copper. (See Figures 1 through 3 for cross sections of
the Bornite Project drilling and Figure 4 for a map of the 2017 drill holes). This year’s drilling
is also showing strong northwest and northeast mineralization not previously recognized.
(See Figure 5 - Grade Thickness Map).
At a cutoff grade of 0.5% copper, the results are as follows:
RC17-237 intersected two mineralized intervals totaling 30.5 meters averaging
0.73% copper;
RC17-238W intersected four mineralized intervals totaling 32.4 meters averaging
1.03% copper;
RC17-239 intersected three mineralized intervals totaling 50.6 meters averaging
1.36% copper; and
RC17-240 intersected one mineralized interval totaling 25.1 meters averaging
0.96% copper.
2 Trust | Respect | Integrity
Results are presented in Table 2 at a cutoff grade of 0.5% copper to be comparable with
previous drill results released by the Company. Results at a more selective higher grade
cutoff of 1.0% copper are also presented in Table 3 to show locally higher grade intervals.
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, President and CE O of Trilogy Metals commented, “It was
unfortunate that we could not complete two of the planned holes due to weather, but rest
assured that we will complete these next year. The remaining four drill holes represent very
large step outs from all previous drilling an d demonstrate that the Bornite system continues
to grow. We have essentially doubled the size of the mineralized foot print with an overall
Bornite system now measuring 1500 meters by 2500 meters defined by a 50 Meter x %
copper - that is 50 meters averaging at leas t 1% copper or better (see Figure 5). In
particular, the grade x thickness map suggests NE and NW oriented controls on higher
grade mineralization. Structural studies are ongoing with the voluminous amount of 3D
structural data collected over the course of the summer drill program. This work will be
focused on defining preferre d mineralized corridors as de fined by vein and breccia
orientations to develop a sense of ore and grad e controls. In addition, we continue to see
significant cobalt occurring as carrolite and cobaltiferous pyrite. Electron microprobe and
metallurgical work will be conducted during the winter months wi th the objective of
determining if the cobalt can be concentrated into a saleable product. If it is determined that
it can, then cobalt will be added to the resource base as a potentially valuable metal which
could enhance the value of Bornite”.
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse further commented, “W e are in the process of planning the 2018
program with an estimated US$10 million bu dget. One component of the program will
include a seismic program to be completed in the spring time when the ground is still frozen
and the daylight has returned. The balance of the program will be directed at further in-fill
and expansion drilling. The born ite-chalcocite-chalcopyrite minerals at the Bornite Project
lend themselves well to forming a high-qua lity copper concentrate with no deleterious
materials”.
Trilogy Metals has recently completed US$10 million exploration drill program at Bornite was
funded by South32 Limited per the agreement announced on April 10, 2017 (https://Trilogy
PR April 10 2017) . The program was approved by a joint Trilogy-South32 Technical
Committee and was focused on dril ling the extensions of mineralization last drilled by the
Company in 2013. South32 has until January 31, 2018 to elect to fund a second US$10
million program.
Bornite Resource
In April of 2016, the Company announced an updated resource estimate for the Bornite
project of 5.5 Billion pounds of copper inferre d resource at a grade of 2.26% Cu and 913
Million pounds of copper indi cated resource at a grade of 1.02% Cu, based on the
Company’s previous three field seasons of exploration drilling and re-assaying of previously
drilled core from Kennecott. A dditional information on the Bo rnite project can be found in
the Company’s technical report titled “Amended NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Bornite
Project, Northwest Alaska, USA” with an effective date of April 19, 2016 and a release date
of October 12, 2017 available under the Comp any’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com
and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
3 Trust | Respect | Integrity
Figure 1- MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF CURRENT DRILLING
Figure 2 – CROSS SECTION OF BORNITE DRILLING Showing RC17-236-237 Results
4 Trust | Respect | Integrity
Figure 3– CROSS SECTION OF BORNITE DRILLING Showing RC17-239 Results
Figure 4 – CROSS SECTION OF BORNITE DRILLING Showing RC17-240 Results
5 Trust | Respect | Integrity
Figure 5 – MAP SHOWING GRADE X THICKNESS OF MINERALIZED INTERSECTIONS
USING A 0.3% Cu CUT-OFF GRADE
QA/QC Program
The drill program, sampling protocol and data verification were managed by qualified persons
employed by Trilogy Metals. The diamond drill ho les were typically collared at HQ diameter
drill core and reduced to NQ diameter during the drilling process. Samples were collected
using a 0.2-meter minimum length, 2.5-mete r maximum length and 1.7-meter average
sample length. Drill core recovery averaged 88% overall and 91% within the prospective
lithologies. The drill core was sawn, with half sent to ALS Minerals in Fairbanks for sample
preparation and the sample pulps forwarded to ALS's North Vancouver facility for analysis. ALS
Minerals in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada , is a facility certified as ISO 9001:2008 and
accredited to ISO / IEC 17025:2005 from the Standards Council of Canada. Three quality
control samples (one blank, one standard and one duplicate) were inserted into each batch of 20
samples. Results of the control samples were reviewed by the qualified person and were all within
acceptable limits. Trilogy Metals will submit 5% of the assay intervals from prospective
lithologies to an independent check assay lab.
6 Trust | Respect | Integrity
Table 1 - 2017 Bornite drill hole locations
Drill hole East (m) North (m) Elev. (m) Azimuth Dip
RC17‐0234 590813 7441022 376.8 206 80
RC17‐0235w 590398 7440826 322.1 206 80
RC17‐0236 590157 7441086 275.9 206 80
RC17‐0237 590340 7441470 271.9 206 80
RC17‐0238w 589917 7440948 241.1 206 80
RC17‐0239 590869 7440695 369.9 206 80
RC17‐0240 590977 7441399 385.7 206 80
RC17‐0241 590520 7441207 333.3 206 80
RC17‐0242 589466 7440938 194.4 206 80
UTM North 4 coordinate system (meters), NAD83 Datum
Table 2 ‐ 0.5% Cu Cut‐off with maximum 5m internal waste ‐ Minimum 5m interval
Hole From (m) To (m) Length Cu (pct) Co (ppm) Ag (ppm) Zn (pct)
RC17‐237
947.90 966.00 18.10 0.72 169 0.42 0.04
971.83 984.20 12.37 0.75 330 0.44 0.29
Total of 30.47 0.73 234 0.42 0.14
RC17‐238w
579.68 589.65 9.97 0.61 152 0.40 0.49
596.87 601.75 4.88 2.11 58 0.93 0.02
618.13 623.15 5.02 0.55 108 0.34 0.03
632.18 644.68 12.50 1.14 230 0.65 0.08
Total of 32.37 1.03 161 0.57 0.19
RC17‐239
844.61 860.84 16.23 1.04 72 0.46 0.02
877.84 886.06 8.22 1.67 459 0.26 0.01
892.73 918.87 26.14 1.46 201 0.24 0.00
Total of 50.59 1.36 202 0.31 0.01
RC17‐240 1168.24 1193.35 25.11 0.96 99 0.99 0.01
Table 3 - 1.0% Cu Cut‐off with maximum 5m internal waste ‐ Minimum 4m interval
Hole From (m) To (m) Length Cu (pct) Co (ppm) Ag (ppm) Zn (pct)
RC17‐238w 635.83 644.36 8.53 1.27 221 0.72 0.05
RC17‐239
849.63 857.10 7.47 1.53 69 0.71 0.01
879.77 884.68 4.91 2.19 549 0.32 0.01
893.88 918.87 24.99 1.51 208 0.25 0.00
Total of 37.37 1.60 225 0.35 0.01
RC17‐240 1179.88 1185.20 5.32 2.278 57.188 1.441 0.018
7 Trust | Respect | Integrity
Qualified Persons
Andrew W. West, Certified Professional Geologist, Exploration Manager for Trilogy Metals Inc.,
is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. West has reviewed the
technical information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein.
About Trilogy Metals
Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metals exploration company focused on exploring and developing the
Ambler mining district located in northwestern Alaska. It is one of the richest and most-
prospective known copper-domina nt districts located in one of the safest geopolitical
jurisdictions in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic VMS deposits that contain copper,
zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement deposits which have been found to host
high grade copper mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the
Ambler mining district - the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit.
Both deposits are located within the Compan y's land package that spans approximately
143,000 hectares. The Company has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., a
Regional Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential
development of the Ambler mining district in cooperation with local communities. Our vision is
to develop the Ambler mining district into a premier North American copper producer.
Company Contacts
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse Elaine Sanders
President & Chief Executive Officer Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
604-638-8088 or 1-855-638-8088
# # #
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain "forward-looking information” and "for ward-looking statements” (collectively
"forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applic able Canadian and United St ates securities legislation
including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of
historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, the future operating or financial performance of the
Company, interpretation of drill results, planned expenditures and the anticipated activity at the UKMP Projects, are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as
"expects”, "anticipates”, "believes”, "intends”, "estimates ”, "potential”, "possible”, and similar expressions, or
statements that events, conditions, or results "will”, "m ay”, "could”, or "should” occur or be achieved. These
forward-looking statements may include statements regard ing perceived merit of proper ties; exploration plans and
budgets; mineral reserves and resource estimates; work programs; capital expenditures; timelines; strategic plans;
market prices for precious and base me tals; or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking
statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be
accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Important factors that could cause actual results to diffe r materially from the Company's expectations include the
uncertainties involving the need for additional financing to explore and develop proper ties and availability of
financing in the debt and capital markets; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and
geological tests and the estimation of reserves and resources; the need for cooperation of government agencies and
native groups in the development and operation of properti es as well as the construction of the access road; the
need to obtain permits and governmental approvals; risks of construction and mining projects such as accidents,
equipment breakdowns, bad weather, no n-compliance with environmental and permit requirements, unanticipated
variation in geological structures, metal grades or recove ry rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include
significant increases in estimated capital and operating cost s; fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange
rates; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
November 30, 2016 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission and in other Co mpany reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory
8 Trust | Respect | Integrity
authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections
on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements
or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
The Bornite Technical Report have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect
in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. secu rities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all resource and
reserve estimates included in this press release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101” ) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and
Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the
Canadian Securities Administrators whic h establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific
and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly
from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”), and resource and reserve
information contained therein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular,
and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term "resource” does not equate to the term "reserves”. Under
U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve” unless the determination has been made that the
mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made.
The SEC's disclosure standards normally do not permit th e inclusion of information concerning "measured mineral
resources”, "indicated mineral resources” or "inferred mineral resources” or other descriptions of the amount of
mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute "reserves” by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC.
Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted
into reserves. U.S. investors should also understand that "inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of
uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. Under Canadian rules,
estimated "inferred mineral resources” may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare
cases. Disclosure of "contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Cana dian regulations; however,
the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves” by SEC standards as
in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measur es. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of
"reserves” are also not the same as those of the SEC, an d reserves reported by the Co mpany in compliance with NI
43-101 may not qualify as "reserves” under SEC standards. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set
forth in this press release or the Born ite Technical Report may not be comparable with information made public by
companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.